The latest Heath Bell MLB and fantasy baseball news

Washington Nationals RP Heath Bell said Wednesday, Feb. 18, that he is in "the best shape of his life." He is looking to rebound after three rough seasons. Bell said he has dropped as much as 40 pounds this season. Bell is competing for a spot in a crowded Washington bullpen. "Honestly, I haven't even looked at my chances," Bell said. "I feel like my chances are how I perform on the mound and getting batters out."

The Tampa Bay Rays expect their 2015 payroll to drop below the $80 million level. The club will not have to pay SP David Price an arbitration raise and also has RP Heath Bell coming off the books, but there will be raises for other eligible players.

Free-agent RP Heath Bell (Yankees) wants to rejoin the San Diego Padres for the 2015 season, as it was where he enjoyed his greatest success. He is taking the rest of the season off to regain arm strength and continue working out.

Fantasy Tip: Bell will pitch in the minors for a bit before being called up to serve in a setup role in New York. David Robertson has done a fine job as the team's closer, so Bell has no clear path to notable late innings. You can ignore him.